Description
This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Spinach is a one-pan wonder where tender chicken thighs are seared until golden, then simmered in a velvety garlic Parmesan cream sauce with smoky bacon and fresh spinach. Comforting, flavorful, and ready in under 40 minutes it’s the perfect weeknight dinner that feels restaurant-worthy.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 6 boneless (skinless chicken thighs)
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup diced crispy bacon (cooked)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp oregano
- Pinch crushed chili pepper flakes
- 3 cups baby spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken for 5–8 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add onion and garlic; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in chicken broth and reduce heat to low. Add bacon; cook 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream and milk. Season with Italian seasoning, oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add spinach and let it wilt. Stir in Parmesan until melted and creamy.
- Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Stir into sauce until thickened.
- Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over top, and let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Serve hot with mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Use chicken breasts instead of thighs if preferred, adjusting cooking time.
- For dairy-free, replace cream and milk with coconut cream or cashew cream.
- For extra flavor, stir in sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms.
Nutrition
- Calories: 599